Residential consumers who forgo central assistance may use non-DCR (domestic content requirement) solar modules for rooftop installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, according to the New and Renewable Energy Ministry. In a clarification, the ministry stated that if any residential rooftop solar consumer is availing Net Metering with the option of 'Give It UP' (subsidy or central financial assistance), he or she is exempted from applicability of ALMM (approved list of models and manufactures) List-II (for solar PV cells) only till the end of the scheme period, i.e., 31st March 2027. The ministry has also stated that these consumers shall apply through PMSG National Portal only. Such projects need not apply separately on the DCR Portal of the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) for claiming exemption from ALMM-II, it also stated. Any other RTS (rooftop solar) projects shall not be covered within the ambit of this limited exemption and will be governed by the extant orders in place, it stated. Earlier in May, the ministry had stated that "it was decided that no blanket extension of the ALMM deadline, i.e., 1 June 2026, will be given". Thus, solar projects are required to source equipment from manufacturers listed in the ALMM. MNRE clarification allowing the use of non-DCR solar modules under the PM Surya Ghar scheme is for consumers opting for the "Give It Up" route and foregoing Central Financial Assistance. "The larger opportunity lies in using this phase not only to increase domestic production, but also to accelerate investments in manufacturing scale, technological advancement, and overall ecosystem competitiveness. If executed in a calibrated manner, the policy could become a strong long-term catalyst for both India's energy security and its ambitions of becoming a globally competitive solar manufacturing hub," said Karthik Raju, Executive Director, Atria Renewable.